Microsoft Word

How to Type the Celsius Symbol in Word

Spencer LanoueSpencer Lanoue
Microsoft Word

Typing the Celsius symbol in Word might seem like a small task, but it's one of those things that can turn into a mini-mystery if you don't know where to look. Whether you're working on a weather report, a science project, or just need to mention the temperature in a document, knowing how to insert the °C symbol can save you time and frustration. Let's walk through the different ways you can add this little symbol to your document and make it look just right.

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Using the Keyboard Shortcut

If you love shortcuts and the idea of using the mouse less excites you, this method is for you. Microsoft Word has a nifty shortcut that allows you to insert the Celsius symbol quickly and efficiently. Here's how you can do it:

  • First, make sure your cursor is at the place in your document where you want the Celsius symbol to appear.
  • On your keyboard, press Ctrl + Shift + @, and then immediately press the Spacebar key. This combination will magically produce the Celsius symbol (¬∞C).

Pretty cool, right? This method is great because it keeps your fingers on the keyboard and doesn't interrupt your workflow. However, if you're not into keyboard shortcuts, don't worry. We've got other methods to explore.

Inserting the Symbol from the Symbol Menu

If the keyboard shortcut is not your style or you're using a keyboard that doesn't support it, you can always insert the Celsius symbol using the Symbol menu. Here's how you do it:

  • Place your cursor where you want to insert the symbol.
  • Go to the Insert tab in the Ribbon at the top of Word.
  • Click on Symbol on the far right of the toolbar.
  • Choose More Symbols from the dropdown menu.
  • In the Symbol dialog box, look for the Celsius symbol (¬∞C). You can find it by selecting the Latin-1 Supplement from the subset dropdown list.
  • Once you find it, click Insert and then Close the dialog box.

This method is foolproof and doesn't require any special keyboard skills. Plus, it gives you a peek into all the other symbols available in Word, which might come in handy for future projects.

Using AutoCorrect for Frequent Use

Do you find yourself typing the Celsius symbol often? If so, setting up an AutoCorrect entry might save you tons of time. Here's how to make Word do the work for you:

  • First, click on File in the menu, then select Options.
  • In the Word Options window, click on Proofing in the left-hand menu.
  • Next, click on AutoCorrect Options.
  • In the AutoCorrect dialog box, under the Replace field, type a shortcut that you want to use for the Celsius symbol, like (c) or degc.
  • In the With field, copy and paste the Celsius symbol (¬∞C).
  • Click Add, and then OK to close all dialog boxes.

Now, every time you type your chosen shortcut, Word will automatically replace it with the Celsius symbol. It's a neat little trick if you're constantly working with temperatures.

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Copy and Paste the Celsius Symbol

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. If you're in a hurry or don't want to mess with settings, you can just copy the Celsius symbol from another source and paste it into your document. Here's a quick way to do it:

  • Open a web browser and search for ‚ÄúCelsius symbol.‚Äù
  • Find the symbol and highlight it with your mouse.
  • Right-click the highlighted symbol and select Copy.
  • Go back to your Word document and place the cursor where you want the symbol to appear.
  • Right-click and select Paste, or use the Ctrl + V shortcut on your keyboard.

While this method isn't the most glamorous, it's effective and easy, especially if you're only inserting the symbol once in a while.

Using the Character Map in Windows

For those using Windows, the Character Map is another tool that allows you to insert special characters like the Celsius symbol. Here's how:

  • Search for Character Map in the Windows search bar and open it.
  • In the Character Map, make sure the Advanced View box is checked.
  • In the Character set dropdown, choose Windows: Western.
  • Scroll through the list or search for the Celsius symbol.
  • Once you've found it, click on the symbol, then click Select, and finally, Copy.
  • Navigate back to your Word document, place the cursor where you want the symbol to appear, and paste it with Ctrl + V.

The Character Map is handy for when you need to insert a variety of symbols and not just the Celsius symbol. Plus, it's a great way to explore other characters that you might not have known existed.

Using ASCII Code for Tech Enthusiasts

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous and tech-savvy, you can use ASCII codes to insert the Celsius symbol. Here's how it works:

  • First, make sure your Num Lock is on. You'll need to use the numeric keypad for this.
  • Place your cursor where you want the symbol in the document.
  • Press and hold the Alt key on your keyboard.
  • While holding the Alt key, type the code 0176 on the numeric keypad. This code corresponds to the degree symbol.
  • Release the Alt key, and the degree symbol should appear.
  • Type a capital C right after the degree symbol to get the complete Celsius symbol.

While this method might not be everyone's cup of tea, it's a quick way to get the symbol if you're comfortable with ASCII codes.

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Adding the Symbol with Custom Styles

Creating a custom style in Word is a fantastic way to make sure that your Celsius symbol—or any symbol, for that matter—has a consistent appearance throughout your document. Here's how you can set it up:

  • Type the Celsius symbol in your document using any of the previous methods.
  • Select the symbol, then right-click and choose Styles from the context menu.
  • In the Styles section, click on Create a Style.
  • Give your new style a name, like ‚ÄúCelsius Style.‚Äù
  • Click Modify to adjust font, size, or color if desired.
  • Click OK to save your new style.

Now, whenever you insert the Celsius symbol, you can apply your custom style with a click, ensuring consistent formatting every time. This is particularly useful if you're working on a large document with multiple instances of the symbol.

Leveraging AI Tools Like Spell

Another approach to inserting the Celsius symbol effortlessly is by using AI-powered document editors like Spell. We've designed Spell to make document editing more intuitive and efficient. Here's why you might consider it:

  • AI Drafting: With Spell, you can describe what you need, and it drafts a document for you, including the proper symbols, in just seconds.
  • Easy Editing: You can make changes using simple language commands, eliminating the need to search for symbols manually.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Work with your team in real-time, with all the tools and symbols at your fingertips, without needing to switch between different applications.

Spell streamlines the process, making tasks like inserting symbols a breeze compared to traditional document editors.

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Using Mac's Special Character Viewer

For Mac users, the process is slightly different, but just as straightforward. You can use the Special Character Viewer to insert the Celsius symbol. Here's how:

  • Place your cursor where you want the Celsius symbol to appear.
  • Press Command + Control + Spacebar to open the Character Viewer.
  • In the search bar, type ‚Äúdegree‚Äù to find the symbol.
  • Double-click the degree symbol to insert it into your document.
  • Type a capital C immediately after the degree symbol to complete the Celsius symbol.

The Character Viewer is a handy tool for Mac users, offering a wide array of symbols and emojis that you can use in your documents.

Final Thoughts

Inserting the Celsius symbol in Word can be tackled in several ways. Whether you prefer keyboard shortcuts, menu options, or even leveraging AI tools like Spell, each method has its own charm and efficiency, depending on your style and needs. With Spell, you can make this process even faster, allowing you to focus on the content rather than the technicalities. Happy writing!

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer Lanoue

Spencer has been working in product and growth for the last 10 years. He's currently Head of Growth at Sugardoh. Before that he worked at Bump Boxes, Buffer, UserTesting, and a few other early-stage startups.

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